Katie Porter joins California governor race as Democratic candidate: What to know
Democratic ex-congresswoman Katie Porter announces her candidacy for California governor in the 2025 election. Discover what this means for the race and her platform.
Former Democratic Congresswoman Katie Porter has officially entered the race for California's 2026 gubernatorial election, adding her name to an already crowded field of candidates. As the race heats up, speculation remains about the potential entry of former Vice President Kamala Harris, which could significantly shift the dynamics of the contest.
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Katie Porter: A challenger for California governor
Porter, widely known for her sharp interrogations of CEOs during congressional hearings, launched her campaign with a promise to serve as a powerful counterforce to Donald Trump's administration. In a campaign video, she vowed to challenge the former president’s policies, particularly those affecting Californians, including disputes over immigration, water management, and disaster relief.
“In Congress, I held the Trump administration’s feet to the fire when they hurt Americans. As governor, I won’t ever back down when Trump hurts Californians,” Porter said, emphasizing her commitment to fight for working families and defend the rights of California residents.
Porter's entrance into the race comes as multiple Democratic candidates have already expressed interest in replacing the term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Alongside Porter, notable figures such as former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis are also expected to run. The eventual entry of Kamala Harris, however, could dramatically alter the field.
The Harris Factor: Could Kamala Harris Enter the California Governor Race?
Although Harris has not officially declared her candidacy, speculation about her potential bid remains high. A former California Attorney General and U.S. Senator, Harris has already made a significant mark on California politics. If she chooses to enter the race, many political analysts believe she would easily win the Democratic nomination, given her national profile.
Katie Porter, who has a friendly relationship with Harris, has said she would step aside if the former Vice President decided to run for governor. The two share a professional history, as Harris appointed Porter as the state’s independent bank monitor during a multibillion-dollar mortgage settlement in 2012.
Political experts believe that if Harris enters the race, few Democrats would be willing to challenge her for the nomination. Jack Pitney, a political scientist at Claremont McKenna College, noted, “She’d be likely to win the Democratic nomination, and Democrats are likely to win the governorship.”
Porter’s Background: From Consumer Protection to Political Star
Porter is no stranger to political battles. In 2018, she made history by defeating a two-term Republican incumbent in California's traditionally conservative Orange County, becoming a U.S. Congresswoman. She became widely recognized for her sharp questioning of business leaders during congressional hearings, often using a whiteboard to break down complex financial figures and expose corporate greed.
Katie Porter became widely recognized for often using a whiteboard to break down complex financial figures. Photo: GQ
Though her 2024 Senate bid fell short, losing to Adam Schiff, Porter remains a formidable candidate with a strong small-dollar fundraising base. This gives her an edge as she enters the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Republicans in the race: The GOP’s bid for California’s governorship
California’s open primary system—which places all candidates on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation—adds an unpredictable element to the race. This system could allow a Republican candidate or a well-funded independent to disrupt the expected order of candidates. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election.
Andrew Acosta, a Democratic consultant, noted that the open primary system makes predictions about the race “hard to handicap,” as it can lead to unexpected outcomes.
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has already announced his candidacy. Bianco criticized the Democratic leadership in California, blaming them for the state’s ongoing issues with homelessness and rising housing prices. While Republicans have struggled to win statewide elections in California in nearly two decades, Bianco’s bid signals a more active Republican challenge for the governorship.
Porter’s Campaign Focus: Fighting for Californians
In her campaign launch, Porter emphasized her long-standing commitment to holding powerful figures accountable. Porter has also reinforced her stance as a progressive champion who will fight for working families and stand up to political corruption.
Porter’s entry into the 2026 California governor race sets the stage for a fascinating contest with numerous powerful figures vying for the state's top office. Whether she will maintain her position as a leading candidate or face challenges from more prominent figures like Kamala Harris remains to be seen.